The next day, CJ was sitting in her office pretending to be calm when Carol entered and said "CJ, Danny's story is online. There are tons of reporters calling. What should I say?"
"Yeah, I was expecting that. Tell them I will not be making any further comments at this time, the story speaks for itself."
"Okay. Are you sure there's nothing I can do for you?"
"I'm fine, thank you Carol."
CJ pushed the story out of her mind. The President was about to embark on a major healthcare initiative, and she needed to prepare for her briefing. She was able to sit quietly in her office reading about Medicaid for about ten minutes before Josh appeared.
"CJ. I just saw Danny's story. I'm going to destroy Hoynes. I'm going to end his political career. I'm going to make sure he never comes near you or anyone else ever again. God, I can't believe I ever worked for such a scumbag. Is there anything I can do to help you handle this?"
"Thanks Josh, but I'm fine. I had to tell the truth because someone was about to publish a false version of the story, but I really don't want to take attention away from the President's agenda. We've got more important things to do than worry about my past."
"CJ, this is important and you know it. You're not the only woman to ever go through this. You have an opportunity to be an example of strength and courage here." he paused. "Of course, I'd understand if you just wanted to kill him, or block it out of your mind forever, or never tell anyone. It's totally your choice how you want to respond. I just don't want you to think that there is something more important to this administration than justice."
CJ smiled, grateful for Josh's indignation and compassion on her behalf.
"I know. I just want to move on with my life. I know I'll get asked about it at the briefing today, but I feel like I've said all I want to say. Has Hoynes commented?"
Josh sighed.
"Yeah. He released a statement vehemently denying all accusations against him. He said everything that happened was consensual, that you were encouraging him. What a bastard."
"I was expecting that. I don't know what I can do to prove it beyond tell the story, I mean, all the evidence is surely destroyed by now."
"Did you go to the hospital after?"
CJ looked somewhat ashamed. "No. I blamed myself for what had happened, and I thought that if I just ignored it, I would be fine. That's why I never told anyone. Sorry about that, by the way."
"It's okay, CJ. This is not your fault, and you have the right to respond however you want. Don't feel obligated to do anything, but just know that whatever you decide, this administration will be fully behind you. I'm going to draft a statement on behalf of the President that reaffirms his support for the Violence Against Women Act and Title IX. I won't mention you, of course, but I think people will get what we're saying. We all believe you CJ, and we've got your back."
CJ silently absorbed the weight of Josh's words and found herself incredibly grateful to work with such incredible people. She was still terrified of briefing later that day, but she knew she was not facing this alone.